Home · Technology · Sep 14 archive
Valve's Steam Frame VR Headset Makes a Surprising Return After Years of Silence
Developing
In Short: Ars Technica and The Verge report on Valve's new VR headset, the Steam Frame, which has been released after years of neglect.
After years of relative silence in the virtual reality (VR) hardware market, Valve has made a surprising return with the release of the Steam Frame, priced at $1,049. According to reports, the headset has been taking reservations, marking a significant move from the company that previously showed little interest in VR.
The Steam Frame initially makes a strong impression, with its sleek design and advanced features. However, the device feels both overengineered and underbaked, depending on the perspective. "You have to see VR in the same timeframe you'd see personal computers in the 1980s," said a spokesperson from BBC, highlighting the early stages of VR technology.
Valve's new headset comes with a hefty price tag, but its performance and design are mixed. "If anything, that ‘all in’ weight overstates how heavy the Steam Frame actually feels on your head," noted an Ars Technica reviewer. Despite its high price, the Steam Frame aims to provide a premium VR experience, integrating advanced features and a powerful PC within the headset itself.
The market for VR has shifted significantly towards untethered headsets, and the Steam Frame arrives in a landscape where convenience has taken precedence over the traditional PC-first VR approach. "Valve’s Steam Frame marks a surprising return to VR hardware after years of relative silence on the category," observed GameDev.net. If the Steam Frame gains traction, it could reignite interest in SteamVR as a distribution and hardware ecosystem.
For nearly three weeks, the Verge has been testing the limits of the Steam Frame, evaluating its performance and usability. The device offers a robust VR experience, but its high cost and the availability of more convenient alternatives may limit its appeal. Nonetheless, the Steam Frame represents a significant shift in Valve's approach to VR, signaling a renewed focus on the technology.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.
Sources
- GameDev.netlink